Whether performing as Zev Love X of KMD, mad scientist Viktor Vaughn, space monster King Geedorah or metal-faced supervillain MF DOOM himself, the mystery surrounding the masked rapper transcended the stereotypes of contemporary hip-hop.
Album: “Burden of Proof”
Sarah Gawlak, a senior biochemistry major, has played the trumpet in the UB Concert Band since her freshman year. But this semester introduced new challenges that even this long-time musician never experienced before.
Album: “Who Made the Sunshine”
Album: “Savage Mode 2”
Local music venues, artists and UB’s art programs have been hit hardest amid the COVID pandemic. But Buffalo creatives and the UB Arts Collaboratory are finding creative ways to perform and showcase their art — all while staying safe.
Album: “From King to a God”
Album: Making a Door Less Open Artist: Car Seat Headrest Label: Matador Records Release Date: May 1 Rating: 6/10‘Making a Door Less Open’ is a rough transitory album for Car Seat Headrest
After the cancellation of his “Roaring ‘20s Tour” that had a stop at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom in April, Jack Harlow still heard some good news last month. And it wasn’t just good. It was gold.
With muffled samples of paranormal television, lo-fi hip-hop beats and the occasional 16-bit synthesizer comprising his signature sound, no one sounds quite like DJ Rozwell. The West Virginia hip-hop producer gained notoriety in 2014 with “None of This is Real,” a mix meant for playing on shuffle with a five-six second crossfade to replicate the randomized elements of old ‘80s text-based and rogue-like role-playing games.
Rapper Marc Mighty had everything all set up. While finishing his new EP “The Iliad,” he planned release shows in his hometown, photography sessions and even new recordings.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic preventing in-person gatherings and concerts, the music department's “Brown Bag” concert series will go on as scheduled online Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. on the department’s Facebook page. Eric Huebner, UB music department’s director of undergraduate studies, will host the concert, which will run approximately an hour in length. As per the conventions of the concert series, the performers and pieces will not be announced until the concert is in progress.
The Weeknd the world knew and loved four years ago is shifting his image yet again. In the nearly four years since his last full length record, “Starboy,” Abel Tesfaye has been relatively quiet. Aside from his 2018 EP “My Dear Melancholy,” the only other art-related project he involved himself in was the Safdie Brothers-directed thriller “Uncut Gems,” which starred Adam Sandler.
Crack the Sky is still able to rock the stage 45 years into its touring career. The West Virginia-based progressive rock and art rock act has a career-spanning, rotating cast of 17 musicians and 18 studio albums, a catalog which sold out the Tralf Music Hall on Friday. While they never reached the heights of Prog-giants like Yes, Rush or King Crimson, they continue to satisfy their dedicated fanbase.
Kane Brown, one of the biggest artists in country music, touched down at the KeyBank Center Saturday as he secured another accolade: his song “Homesick” had just hit No. 1 on country radio. The song, dedicated to members of the armed forces, is a country ballad at its finest.
Rapper Pop Smoke is dead at 20 after being shot in his Hollywood home early Wednesday morning and students are remembering his UB performance just five months ago. The death is being reported as a result of a home invasion. As of 4 p.m. on Wednesday, the suspects have not been apprehended.
Album: “Changes” Artist: Justin Bieber Released: Feb. 14, 2020 Genre: R&B(ieber) Label: Def Jam Rating: 9/10
When “Jesus Christ Superstar” debuted in the ‘70s, it shocked audiences with its loud rock music, modern themes and non-traditional biblical interpretations. While rock is no longer the radical genre it once was, the latest U.S. tour has updated the revolutionary musical with aspects such as hip-hop choreography to help keep the show relatable for new generations.
Album: “Have We Met” Artist: Destroyer Label: Merge Release Date: Jan. 31 Rating: 6/10
There was a shadow over the Grammy Awards this year. Whether this was due to the very recent passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant or the various controversies surrounding the show, is not certain. Still, it is indisputable that the performances are one of the most anticipated parts of the Grammys, and that remained the case this year. The actual awards are never indicative of future success, but a particularly memorable performance –– good or bad –– can live on forever.
Solutions by The State News
